Posting on their Facebook page the USPCA called those responsible "heartless".

It said: "These ten poor puppies are currently being looked after at the USPCA Animal Hospital.

"The unfortunate creatures were found dumped by a heartless individual in a box in a garden in the South Down area, left to fend for themselves."

However the puppies are not ready for rehoming just yet.

The USPCA said: "They will now go through a quarantine period, receive the treatment they need and once they are fit and healthy will be put up for adoption in a few weeks time. We are not taking enquiries about rehoming them just yet."